The Only True Mother Goose MelodiesBy: Unknown

First Page:

The variation between "wasn't" and "wan't" appears to be intentional,
and has not been changed. Other typographical errors are noted at the
end of the e text.

A single row of asterisks
represents a decorative line in the original. A few lines were added
by the transcriber at a page break when there was no intervening
illustration.]

The Only True
MOTHER GOOSE
MELODIES,
Without Addition Or Abridgement.

Embracing, Also, A Reliable
LIFE OF THE GOOSE FAMILY,
Never Before Published.

NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1833,
by MUNROE & FRANCIS, in the Clerk's office of the District
Court of Massachusetts.

BOSTON:
MUNROE & FRANCIS.

[Illustration]

HEAR WHAT MA'AM GOOSE SAYS!

My dear little Blossoms, there are now in this world, and always will
be, a great many grannies besides myself, both in petticoats and
pantaloons, some a deal younger to be sure; but all monstrous wise, and
of my own family name. These old women, who never had chick nor child of
their own, but who always know how to bring up other people's children,
will tell you with very long faces, that my enchanting, quieting,
soothing volume, my all sufficient anodyne for cross, peevish,
won't be comforted little bairns, ought to be laid aside for more
learned books, such as they could select and publish. Fudge! I tell
you that all their batterings can't deface my beauties, nor their wise
pratings equal my wiser prattlings; and all imitators of my refreshing
songs might as well write a new Billy Shakespeare as another Mother
Goose we two great poets were born together, and we shall go out of the
world together.

No, no, my Melodies will never die,
While nurses sing, or babies cry.

[ Copyright secured. ]

HISTORY OF THE GOOSE FAMILY.

[ From the Boston Transcript. ]

COTTON MATHER AND MOTHER GOOSE.

Mr. Editor : Your correspondent, N.B.S., has so decisively given a
quietus to the question as to the birthplace of Cotton Mather, that
there is no danger of its ever being revived again. But there is
another question of equal importance to many, to the literary world
in particular, which should in like manner be put to rest. Who was
Mother Goose? and when were her melodies first given to the world?
These are questions which have been often asked, but have never been
satisfactorily answered. The recent publication of a book called "Mother
Goose for Old Folks" has again revived these questions, which serves to
show that the subject has not yet lost its interest.

Many persons imagine that Mother Goose is a myth, that no such person
ever existed. This is a mistake. Mother Goose was not only a veritable
personage, but was born and resided many years in Boston, where many
of her descendants may now be found. The last that bore the ancient
paternal cognomen died about the year 1807, and was buried in the Old
Granary Burying Ground, where probably lie the remains of the whole
blood, if we may judge from the numerous grave stones which mark their
resting place. The family originated in England, but at what time they
came to this country is unknown, but probably about the year 1656.
This was the " Wealthy family of Goose " which is immortalized by
Mr. Bowditch in his book of Suffolk Names, who at the same time has
immortalized himself. They were landholders in Boston, so early as 1660.
Nearly half the space between West and Winter streets, on Washington
street, and extending westerly towards Tremont street, 275 feet belonged
to this family, as did also a large tract of land on Essex, Rowe and
Bedford streets, upon which now stand two churches and a large number of
dwelling houses. So much for Mother Goose. Now for her melodies.

It is well known to antiquarians that more than two hundred years ago
there was a small book in circulation in London bearing the name of
"Rhymes for the nursery; or Lulla Byes for Children," which contained
many of the identical pieces which have been handed down to us and
now form part of the "Mother Goose's Melodies" of the present day... Continue reading book >>